The Boxer, also known as the Deutscher Boxer and the German Boxer, is a breed of dog in the Working Group. They are one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States, and in Germany they were the first breed to be selected for training as police dogs. The Boxer was approved by the AKC in the year 1904.
The Boxer is a short haired dog breed, with a shiny, smooth coat that lies tight to the body. The recognized colors are fawn and brindle, often with a white underbelly and white on the front or all four feet. An adult Boxer typically weighs between 55 to 70 lbs. Adult male Boxers are between 22 and 25 inches tall at the withers. Adult females are between 21 and 24 inches.
Boxers are friendly, lively companions that are popular as family dogs. Their suspicion of strangers, alertness, agility, and strength make them formidable guard dogs. They sometimes appear at dog agility or obedience trials and fly ball events.
The Boxer dog breed has a variety of common health issues. Responsible breeders use available tests to screen their stock before breeding, and in some cases throughout the life of the dog, in an attempt to minimize the occurrence of these diseases in future generations.